Muskegon Big Red 2015 Football Season Preview

Football season is back! Just over two weeks until Muskegon heads over to Novi to take on Detroit Catholic Central. After a deep postseason run for the third straight year, the Big Reds are looking to do one thing this year. FINISH THE JOB. With the past 3 years ending in heartbreak for the Big Red community as a whole, this year's squad is primed and ready for the Friday night lights of Hackley Stadium, and another postseason run ending with first State Championship for the program since 2008. The schedule for the upcoming year is set, and can be found on Facebook on the Muskegon Big Red Football page:

Muskegon High School 2015 Football Schedule

Key Games:

8/29 - Muskegon @ DCC. Last year's game saw the Big Reds come out on top 21-14 with a late 4th quarter touchdown by Alezay Coleman. Catholic and Muskegon both return some starters from last year's phenomenal season opener. Expect this to be another classic East vs West showdown as these two fan bases know that winning the first game is just the beginning of the real goal.

9/4 - Muskegon @ GRCHS. After trailing 21-10 at halftime, the Big Reds were able to erase the 11 point deficit and go on to win last year's game 29-21. Now, without the ambiance of Hackley Stadium behind them the Big Reds could be in for a tough game with Christian returning a majority of their starters. Nevertheless, Muskegon is used to overcoming the odds and will be up for the challenge. What makes this game even more crucial is it could be for the 800th win in program history for the Big Reds. Making us only the 9th team in the COUNTRY to eclipse 800 W's.

9/16 - Muskegon @ EGR. The Big Reds routed the Pioneers at Hackley Stadium last year 37-7 in the first ever meeting on the gridiron between the two state powerhouses. However, don't go into this one already putting another blowout in the books. East Grand Rapids has a long standing history of football excellence, and a game in the "Little Big House" can not be overlooked. 

10/16 - Muskegon @ Mona Shores. Mona Shores, under the leadership of former Muskegon Head Coach Matt Koziak, advanced to the Division II State Finals last season for the first time in school history. After coming to Hackley Field, and trouncing the Big Reds 48-27, the Sailors of Mona Shores can no longer be overlooked. With their record setting quarterback Tyree Jackson off to the University of Buffalo, the Sailors are still loaded with weapons to beat the Big Reds for a second straight year. However, the juniors from last year are poised to redeem the team from last year, and the upcoming sophomores are hungry for a W.

10/23 - Muskegon @ Union. While the Big Reds have rolled over Union in the past years, that's what makes the season finale so intriguing. Depending on how the Shores game goes the Big Reds could roll into the playoffs with some real momentum with yet another W over the Red Hawks.

Prediction:  Muskegon's schedule is a tough one based on its road games. I definitely see them going undefeated at home this year, but those road games will be the true test. Out of the five road games, seeing the Big Reds go 4-1 is reasonable to expect with big games against DCC, GRCHS, EGR, and Mona Shores. A lot of talent was lost on both sides of the ball, and new leaders will have to step in and play big roles. Then again, has that ever been a problem for Muskegon? Head Coach, Shane Fairfield, and the rest of the Big Red coaching staff are at the top of the list when it comes to reloading talent year in and year out. I strongly believe the Big Reds will play with a chip on their shoulder all year long while eclipsing the 800 win milestone en route to another OK Black Conference Title, and a fourth consecutive trip to Ford Field. FTJ. 

Final Regular Season Record: 8-1. OK Black Champions.

  

Opponent Watch - Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills

Kenowa Hills running back Andrew Wawrzyniak.
(Zach Gibson | MLive.com)

Team: Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills

Location: Alpine Township, MI

Enrollment: 1,125

Head Coach: Scott VanEssen (12th year)

School Colors: Black/Gold

Conference: Ottawa Kent - Black

Standings:

Kenowa Hills needs a win in order to stay in conference title contention, while Muskegon needs to win in order to stay in first place.

The Skinny

Before current head coach Scott VanEssen was named the head coach of Kenowa Hills, things were not so good. Kenowa Hills had only qualified for postseason play seven times in the previous 52 years of the program, with an 11-2 state runner--up season in 1992 being the pinnacle of the program's success.

VanEssen transformed the culture of the program. After going 13-32 during his first five seasons at Kenowa Hills, VanEssen has a 38-27 record over the last seven seasons, including three straight OK Black conference championships from 2008-10. Recently the Knights have been in a bit of a slump, going 3-6 a season ago and currently sporting a 2-3 record.

Offense:

The offensive production has been an issue for Kenowa Hills since last season. Through five games, the Knights are averaging 15 points per game, about what they averaged last season. In the world of high school football, scoring 15 points a contest usually doesn't cut it. Against a Muskegon defense that ranks amongst the best in the state, Kenowa Hills will likely have to produce much more than that.

Andrew Wawrzyniak leads the Kenowa Hills rushing attack, averaging 71 yards rushing per game. Trea Mayhue has 195 yards on the ground, and functions as a change-of-pace back.

Quarterback Jordan Marentette isn't asked to throw the ball much or make plays with his feet. When he does throw, Eric Orsinger (75 yards) and Connor Carruthers (33 yards) are his favorite targets.

If Muskegon's defensive line can get to him before he gets the ball to his playmakers, this game won't be close.

Defense:

Even though Kenowa Hills' offense has been inept this year, the defense has played very well considering the circumstances. Despite being 2-3, the Knights have only been outscored by four in terms of total points, 75-79.

The offense may be scoring 15 points per game, but the defense is only giving up sixteen points per game. The 30 points scored by Mona Shores last week was the most the Knights had given up all season; the previous high was 20 points by Forest Hills Northern in week 1.

The Knights have a formidable defensive line led by Malik Swain, a 320-pounder, Steven Lyons (6-1, 225) and Brenden Bott (6-4, 245). Linebackers Warzyniak (5-11, 190) and Jarrod Sczesny (5-10, 195) will try to keep Muskegon's running backs from making big plays. Carruthers and Orsinger will again be asked match up against Alezay Coleman and Muskegon's speedy receiving corps.

Prediction Based on Flimsy Evidence:

Muskegon cruised to victory against Grand Rapids Union last week, but Kenowa Hills is a superior opponent. This will be Muskegon's second road game of the season against a team that is well-coached. The only chance Kenowa Hills has of winning is if the defense can keep things close enough for the offense to string together some plays. Kenowa keeps it close, but Muskegon prevails.

Muskegon 21, Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills 10

Opponent Watch - Grand Rapids Union

Grand Rapids Union Red Hawks
(michiganhelmetproject.org)

Team: Grand Rapids Union
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Enrollment: 1,688
Head Coach: Tommie Elliot (4th year)
School Colors: Red/Black
Conference: Ottawa Kent - Black


Muskegon begins the 2014 OK Black conference season against Grand Rapids Union, a program that has been struggling for several years.

Due to the changes being made in the Grand Rapids Public Schools system (GRPS), many of the schools with athletic departments have been downsized, or even eliminated. Union and Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills are the only two schools in GRPS who have functioning athletic programs, and hopefully both will be able to retain their programs going forward.

The Skinny: 

 

• Union has not won a game since August 31, 2012. The Red Hawks are on a 20-game winless streak. Over the past ten seasons, the Red Hawks have a total of eight wins. Muskegon had twelve wins last season.
  
  
• Head coach Tommie Elliott is in his fourth year as head coach of the Red Hawks. For those who remember, Elliott was also an assistant at Muskegon for 16 years, before leaving to become head coach of Muskegon Heights in the mid-2000's. He put the Tigers back in the state playoffs and compiled an 18-19 record in four years (2005-08). Before becoming Union's head coach, Elliott spent the 2009-10 seasons as an assistant at OK Black member Mona Shores.

Union coach Tommie Elliott on season outlook:

“We had several kids who hadn’t played football before on the team last year, and because our numbers were down, we were forced to put these kids into positions that made things difficult for them. This year those same kids now have nine games under their belts, so we’re very excited about our potential.”

I really like where we are as a team this year. Our seniors have already begun to lead the team by example, incorporating our motto ‘Teamwork Makes the Dream Work’ into everything they do, both on and off the field. Our numbers are up, especially on the line, and our conditioning has improved, so I see us as a team that will play four quarters of football this season, competing with every team we play.”

Key Players:

Union quarterback Derrick Peoples.
(Zach Gibson | MLive.com)

Derrick Peoples (SR, QB/DB): Peoples is the catalyst for the Red Hawks on offense this season. Peoples had 184 yards passing with one touchdown and four interceptions last week against Jenison, as well as ten carries for 43 yards on the ground. Has big-play ability. If he gets pressured into making poor decisions, the defensive line and the secondary could have a big day.


Asante Allen and Trent Allen (WR/DB): The duo combined for six catches for 126 yards receiving and a touchdown (Trent) against Jenison last week. If given the chance, both can make plays in space.

Daron Rice (SR, CB): A returning player with experience, Rice is one of the leaders on defense for the Red Hawks.

Prediction Based On Flimsy Evidence:

Barring a cataclysmic breakdown, Muskegon should win this game, and win big. Last week Union faced off against Jenison, a team riding a 11-game losing streak, and lost 36-6. Muskegon is just too fast and too physical. Hopefully Union and its sports programs begin to have success again - alas, not on this Friday night.

Muskegon 62, Grand Rapids Union 0

Opponent Watch - East Grand Rapids

EGR linebacker and Miami (OH) commit Carter Masek

Team: East Grand Rapids
Location: East Grand Rapids, MI
Enrollment: 986
Head Coach:  Peter Stuursma (16th year)
School Colors: Blue, Gold
Conference: Ottawa Kent - White



East Grand Rapids has arguably been the most successful West Michigan program since the turn of the century. Head Coach Peter Stuursma has led the Pioneers to six state championship titles since 2000, with hopes of a run to a seventh this year.

The Skinny:

East Grand Rapids boasts a 483-137-9 record since 1950, good for a .775 win percentage. In comparison, Muskegon has a 440-183-10 record during that same span, with a .703 win percentage. 

Head Coach Pete Stuursma:

“Our strength is in our defense,” Stuursma said. “You need to play great defense in a conference like the OK White. The key to our success will be the progression of our offensive line.”

Muskegon Coach Shane Fairfield on East Grand Rapids:

“They’re big, talented, a really good group. Their defense is the real deal. It’s the best we’ve seen so far. Their four linebackers are (Division I) guys.”

“We’re trying to correct us and get us right for the big push,” Fairfield said. “It’s more than us against East Grand Rapids. It’s about home-field advantage for the playoffs and about us for the big push. We know what’s at stake.”

East Grand Rapids Offense:

EGR senior quarterback Mikey Roth is healthy, and that is great news if you're a Pioneer fan. Having a senior leader at the most important position on offense is always a plus, and with some solid weapons around him, expect this offense to be potent. Roth has 414 passing yards and four touchdowns on the season.

AJ Zawacki is the all-purpose back for EGR. Expect to see him in the backfield and the slot. Fullback Drew Hollerbach will get his fair share of touches too. Hollerbach had nearly 500 yards rushing last season, and can do significant damage on the ground, if given the chance.

Wide receivers Michael Clifford and Gourney Sloan may just be the best receiving tandem in West Michigan. Both players averaged over 15 yards a catch last season, and should be a real challenge for Muskegon's corners. Both are also capable of making plays in the return game.

The Pioneers love to incorporate play-action whenever they can, and they have the offensive line to make that happen. Smith, Sharp, Washington and the rest of Muskegon's defense will have to play great to stop this offense.

East Grand Rapids Defense:

Like coach Stuursma said, the strength of this Pioneers team is the defense.

Led by linebackers Carter Masek (Miami of Ohio commit) and Michael Johnston, East Grand Rapids' defensive unit has accumulated 11 sacks and five forced-fumbles on the season. Muskegon has had ball control issues these first three games of the season. If the Big Reds are going to win on Friday, they'll have to take care of the ball.

On top of their receiving duties, Michael Clifford and Gourney Sloan are also the main defensive backs for EGR. They played solid ball last season, so it will be interesting to see how they fare against Muskegon's receiving corps.

Prediction Based on Flimsy Evidence:

In my mind, this is one of the cooler non-conference foes Muskegon has faced over the last ten years or so. If this game was scheduled about five or six years ago, it easily would have been up for discussion for the game of the decade.

 That being said, Friday's matchup will be huge. Both teams have title aspirations, led by their elite defenses. Will Muskegon be able to stop EGR's play-action? Will EGR be able to slow down Muskegon's triple-option? Questions like this are why I love Friday night football.

Muskegon 24, East Grand Rapids 20

******A special thank you to @EGRFootball for helping put this preview together. EGR stats taken from the West Michigan Football Network.




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Opponent Watch - Grandville

Team: Grandville
Location: Grandville, MI
Head Coach: Eric Stiegel (1st year)
Current Record: 2-0
School Colors: Maroon/White
Conference: Ottawa Kent - Red

Muskegon and Grandville each sport a 2-0 record heading into Friday's game, and both teams happen to share the same color scheme. However, that's where the similarities end between the two programs.

Grandville is no stranger to success. In 1996, the Bulldogs went 12-1 on the season, finishing with a state championship trophy. From 2000-2006, Grandville was one of the better programs in West Michigan, with a record of 50-28 over that span.

Recent years have been a different story. From 2007-2013, the Grandville program has been in a serious funk, mustering a 20-43 record which includes a winless season in 2011 (0-9).

Despite several seasons of ineptitude, hope is on the horizon. The Bulldogs have a new coach in Eric Stiegel, and with him comes hope for brighter days ahead. During his previous coaching job at Taylor Truman High School, he led the program to 17 wins and two playoff berths during the past two seasons. Before Stiegel landed there, the school had reached the playoffs just once.

Grandville Coach Eric Stiegel:

“Most of these guys haven’t experienced success, but they have a lot of game experience, which translates into a lower learning curve. We have some very good pieces of the puzzle; it’s just going be a matter of putting them all in the right place so that Grandville can get back to the successes of the past. Grandville has a history of blue-collar toughness, and we really want to get back to that, on both sides of the ball."

"Coach Stiegel has definitely brought a different attitude," senior Brian Cappiello said. "We're a more physical football team and that comes with the offense, running the Wing-T.
"The biggest difference is we're just executing."

Key Players:  

Ben Sinclair, Parker Reminga and Brian Cappiello (RBs): The trio combined for 277 yards on the ground on 32 carries and Five touchdowns in Grandville's week 1 win over Jenison. Muskegon's stout defense should be able to keep them in check, but if they don't, this game could get interesting.

Jake Garbarino, Ian Hall and Eppe Saarenheimo (DL): These guys limited Jenison to just 41 yards rushing on 17 carries in the first half. Jenison ended up with just 143 yards of total offense in their week 1 matchup. Led by wrestling state qualifier Saarenheimo (6-0, 225), Grandville's line plays with a chip on their shoulder. Alas, Jenison isn't Muskegon. We'll see what happens there.

Prediction Based On Flimsy Evidence:

Grandville will be running the Wing-T offense, which suits the current players well. Grandville racked up 402 rushing yards and six touchdowns against Jenison in week 1. Muskegon has the superior talent on defense, and should be able to limit Grandville's big plays. Grandville's Defensive line is tough, but hasn't faced an offense like Muskegon's.

One thing that Muskegon needs to improve on is protecting the ball. The Big Reds have committed far too many turnovers in the first two games. Turning the ball over on the road could result in unwanted consequences. All in all, Grandville's program is new and improved, but the Big Reds should win handily on Friday.

Muskegon 44, Grandville 19

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Opponent Watch - Grand Rapids Christian

GRC QB Lukas Thompson

Team: Grand Rapids Christian
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Head Coach: Don Fellows (48-9, 4th year)
Current Record: 1-0
Colors: Columbia Blue/Black
Conference: Ottawa Kent - White


Grand Rapids Christian has become a West Michigan powerhouse under the leadership of head coach Don Fellows, and won the 2012 Division 3 state championship. Had their star player Drake Harris been able to play his senior season, there's a good chance the Eagles would have repeated as champs in 2013, instead of losing in the District Finals to Zeeland West. The 2014 Eagles share the same mentality that the Big Reds do: Championship or Bust.

The Skinny:

Over the past three seasons, the Eagles have won two OK White titles and have made the playoffs in each of the past four seasons, including a Division 3 state title in 2012. The Eagles are 39-9 over that four-year span.

Coach Don Fellows:

“We have a very athletic team, with great chemistry and a great work ethic. Our defense is our strength. We are very fast on defense. Our young offensive line needs to continue to improve and play well. We also need to continue to work hard in the weight room, and we need to stay injury-free because our lack of depth is an issue.”

Key Players:

Lukas Thompson (QB, JR):  A starter at cornerback the past two seasons, Thompson is taking over the quarterbacking duties for the Eagles. Thompson rushed for 119 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown in the opening half of their 28-14 win over Grand Rapids South Christian. Thompson was injured on the first play of the second half while attempting a pass and did not return to the game. Fellows reported that Thompson suffered a hit to the chest and was to undergo X-rays. His status for Friday's game is uncertain. If he is not able to go, senior Patrick Hall, who finished last week's game as QB after Thompson's injury, will likely get the start. Hall was 7-13 for 87 yards and a touchdown in Thompson's absence.

GR Christian's Jack Bates.

Malick McLaughlin (RB/LB): A leader on both sides of the ball, McLaughlin leads strong Grand Rapids Christian rushing attack. McLaughlin had 38 yards on ten carries in Christian's win over South Christian. Forms a nice 1-2 punch with fellow running back Davaunte' Dickens.

Deleon Brown (WR): Christian's most explosive pass catcher, Brown will have to be a main focus more Muskegon's defensive backs, or else he will make them pay. Brown caught four passes for 73 yards last week against South Christian.

Jack Bates (LB, SR): Bates is a ring-leader of the Eagles defense, along with fellow senior Qi'ante Ewing. Bates will do his best to stop Muskegon's vaunted rushing attack. Bates had six tackles in week one action, and is being looked at by Division 1 programs.

Qi'ante Ewing (LB, SR): A senior leader like Bates, Ewing will have to be accounted for at all times. Ewing had four tackles to go along with a sack last week. Ewing also has Division 1 potential.

Noah Nedd (DB, SR): Had 3.5 sacks against a very good South Christian offense. Muskegon's O needs to spread him out and keep him away from Shawn Pfenning.

Prediction Based On Flimsy Evidence:

Just like last week, this game should be a good one. Muskegon won last year's matchup in lopsided fashion, and Christian will be trying to return the favor. Both teams are known for explosive offenses and tough defenses, but I think that the combination of Muskegon's Veer offense and home-field advantage gives them the definitive edge.

Muskegon 28, Grand Rapids Christian 19

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Watch - Big Reds 2014 Season Preview Trailer

It's that time of the year, ladies and gentlemen. Big Red alum Will Gardner (c/o '09) has put together a preseason preview video for the upcoming season. If this doesn't get you excited, nothing will. Two days until kickoff!